December's Geminid meteor shower: A celestial spectacle tonight

The new moon in December will provide dark skies for observing the Geminid meteor shower, one of the most abundant meteor showers of the year. The shower peaks on December 14, just two days after the new moon, making it easier to see the meteors without the moon's light washing them out. Additionally, the moon will make a close pass to Mercury on the same day, making the elusive innermost planet easier to spot. Skywatchers in different parts of the world will have varying opportunities to observe the celestial events.